The Nissan Z Performance Coupe: Return of a classic!

Humor us for a second and squint as you look at the lemon-yellow 2023 Nissan Z Performance Coupe that’s our subject today. It’s a fresh look at a legendary sports coupe that has more than 50 years of heritage in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) movement and the idea of what was, at one time, an affordable pocket rocket. Heck, it was so good that a legendary racing driver named P.L. Newman convinced his wife to let him drive it. You might know him better as Hollywood actor Paul Newman. As a driver, he became pretty good at it, to the point where his wife and fellow actor Joanne Woodward gave him the holy grail of watches, a Rolex Daytona, with the inscription on the caseback, “Drive Carefully, ME.”

The road racing wannabes at Napleton News recently had a chance to give the Z a go. Here’s our report.

The Nissan Z Performance Coupe: Ready for another go.

Now in its seventh generation, the new 2023 Nissan Z Performance Coupe almost never happened. The lack of a proper business argument (as many other manufacturers went to SUVs), not to mention a pandemic-disrupted supply chain, helped make the new Z-car iffy at best.

Enthusiastic letters and emails to the Nissan Corporate types helped turn the tide and once again the Z is headed to Nissan dealership showrooms. When it actually gets there, though, is still a question waiting for an answer.

At the heart of the Z Car.

At the Z-Car’s heart beats a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque between 1,600-5,200 rpm. That’s a boost of 68 horsepower more than the previous engine. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 9-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle-shift levers. All the power from the Infiniti-sourced V6 heads out back to drive the rear wheels.

All this power is before the engine has been sprinkled with NISMO fairy dust. Be patient. It will come. Additionally, a long-rumored convertible may make an appearance at some point.

How does it look?

The sleek exterior of the new Z pays a sense of respect to the original model, introduced in 1969 as the Fairlady Z in Japan and the Datsun 240Z here in America. It features a trademark long nose, short rear overhang and stance, as did the original. While the front grille isn’t exactly a throwback, the rear taillamps are reminiscent of previous versions of the Z.

Two trim grades are available on the new Nissan Z. Both Z’s use the same engine. First in is the Nissan Z Sport, which is available with 18-inch painted aluminum alloy wheels. The Sport model includes Yokahama Advan high-performance tires and vented disc brakes.

The next model is our tester, the Nissan Z Performance Coupe. Ordering this specification adds a mechanical limited-slip differential. There are also 19-inch Rays lightweight performance wheels, a front and rear spoiler, a performance-tuned exhaust system, Brembo performance brakes and Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires.

Finally, to commemorate the launch of this new seventh-gen Z, a limited edition Proto Spec model with Bronze Rays alloy wheels, yellow brake calipers, yellow seating accents and an exclusive gear lever knob. It is limited to 240 examples, the same as the original 240Z allotment.

Inside the cockpit.

While not the most spacious in automobiledom, the Nissan Z Performance Coupe features seating for two. There are two cubby holes directly behind the seats and a strut-tower brace spanning from side to side in the Z. Its purpose is to firm up the Nissan’s suspension and aid in cornering.

The base Z Sport model includes cloth seat coverings with 8-way adjustability for the driver and four passenger adjustment levels. At the head of the center console is an 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and hands-free text messaging.

The Z Performance model includes leather seating with four-way power adjustments for driver and passenger. There are also manual lifting, thigh and lumbar support adjustments. Heated seats are standard, as is a 9-inch display screen and a Bose audio system.

Behind the wheel of the Nissan Z Performance Coupe.

The 2023 Nissan Z Performance Coupe is a throwback to a time when sports cars were simple in design but elaborate in their features. The new Z is all of that. The interior is one where most drivers of average height can find a comfortable seating position. An adjustable steering wheel enables an optimal fitting.

We won’t say the engine roars to life when pushing the starter button. The power-on shift is an added piece of kit that allows the driver to keep the accelerator mashed while between gear changes. It helps smooth out the shifting process without the interruption of clutch-in-clutch-out driving. It’s an absolute blast!

Standing on the skinny pedal allows drivers to feel the engine unwind. We wish the engine had a throatier growl than it currently has. Perhaps an aftermarket exhaust kit would help, but it’s definitely not a deal-breaker.

Handling is stellar, as tuned, and allows drivers to think where they want to put the car and then actually will it so. That’s just one of the reasons we are so happy to say the Nissan Z is back! As time goes on, I’m sure we’ll find many more.

Nissan Z Specifications